Former Chippewa signs $100 million NFL contract

Watt was given one of the most lucrative contract extensions in National Football League defensive linemen history when he inked a six-year $100 million deal with the Houston Texans Monday night.

Watt is widely regarded as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, with 2012 being his breakout year. During that season he sacked 20.5 opposing quarterbacks and swatted away 16 passes. Last year, Watt totaled 10.5 sacks with Houston.

A former tight end for the Chippewas, Watt left the program after then-head coach Brian Kelly limited his playing time. Watt caught only eight passes for CMU in 2007, and decided to walk-on to his home-town Wisconsin Badgers the following season.

Watt graduated from UW in 2010. He was drafted in the spring of 2011 by the Texans.